They make mischief when the politician is around (4)

I believe the answer is:

imps

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'they make mischief when' is the definition.
The definition suggests an adverb but the answer is not.

'politician is around' is the wordplay.
'politician' becomes 'MP' (Member of Parliament).
'around' is an insertion indicator.
'mp' put inside 'is' is 'IMPS'.

'the' acts as a link.

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(Other definitions for imps that I've seen before include "Cheeky little devils" , "Small devils or mischievous children" , "Mischievous sprites" , "Children causing trouble" , "Little mischievous devils" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.

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